Texas Senate Bill SB1886

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to departures from network adequacy standards by a preferred provider benefit plan.

Impact

The bill mandates that any departures from network adequacy standards can only be granted if certain conditions are met, such as demonstrating good cause particularly in the case of difficulty contracting with local providers. This provision attempts to balance the flexibility insurers seek while ensuring that insured individuals are not unduly affected or left with inadequate healthcare options. The legislation is set to apply to insurance policies delivered or renewed after January 1, 2020, which indicates its intention to influence the upcoming insurance policy renewals significantly.

Summary

SB1886 addresses network adequacy standards for preferred provider benefit plans in Texas. The bill allows the commissioner of insurance to establish network adequacy standards that are tailored to local markets, ensuring that a variety of contracted physicians and healthcare providers are accessible to insured individuals. Importantly, the bill outlines a procedure for insurers to request a departure from these standards, aiming to ensure that such deviations are properly scrutinized and justified. This could potentially influence how insurance policies are structured and implemented across different regions within the state.

Contention

Some points of contention may arise regarding the extent of the commissioner’s ability to grant permission for insurers to deviate from established standards. Critics might argue that this flexibility could lead insurers to avoid contractual obligations with local providers, ultimately affecting the selection of available healthcare options to insured individuals. Additionally, the stipulation that insurers must demonstrate 'good cause' before their requests can be approved may raise concerns about the potential for subjective interpretation, which could lead to inconsistencies in how different insurers are treated under the law.